Teachers’ Day: Schools prepare for Modi Sir’s extra class

New Delhi: For the very first time Teachers’ Day is being celebrated as Guru Utsav (celebration for teachers) with all schools in India and CBSE affiliated schools abroad geared up for the extra class of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is going to address students today (Friday).

Teachers' Day is celebrated every year on September 5 to mark the birthday of former president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

As many as 1,000 students will get opportunity to hear PM Modi at Manekshaw auditorium in Delhi Cantt, which will witness question-answer session between the Prime Minister and schoolchildren from across the country.

His address will be telecasted live on all Doordarshan channels, All India Radio and will be webcasted on four different channels. Students will be asked to stay back till 5 pm on Friday to hear the PM’s speech which will start at 3 pm.

Most of the schools in Delhi-NCR have made attendance compulsory for students and teachers as well. Indian schools located in Middle East have also made arrangements for the same. All CBSE affiliated schools abroad have been instructed to make arrangements for children to watch Modi’s address on Guru Utsav.

Several states with non-BJP governments in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu will not be following the HRD ministry’s directives.

PM pays tributes to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

The Prime Minister paid tributes to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on the occasion of Teachers' Day, saying the late President still remains an inspiration for the entire country.

“Teacher, scholar and statesman, he remains an inspiration for the entire nation," a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said. Modi also extended his greetings to teachers on the occasion.

"Teachers' Day greetings! We salute all teachers, who tirelessly light the lamp of knowledge," the statement said.

President Pranab Mukherjee also greeted teachers on the occasion of Teachers' Day, saying they must be friends, philosophers and guiding lights to their students.

In his message, Mukherjee said teachers are like candles, who burn brightly to enlighten others.

"We, in India, are inheritors of a sacred tradition in which our gurus, saints and seers have selflessly nurtured our minds and shaped our intellect," he said.

"Our society at large and in particular, students should show utmost respect and devotion to teachers. Teachers in turn must dedicate themselves to the service of their students and help our youth imbibe knowledge as well as essential civilisational values," he said.

The President said, "I extend my warm greetings to the entire teaching community of our country and thank them for their immense contribution to our nation."